The tradition of eating tacos on Tuesdays, also known as “Taco Tuesday,” has become widespread and popular in recent years. But have you ever wondered why tacos specifically became associated with Tuesdays? The answer lies in the clever marketing strategy of a Taco John's restaurant owner in the 1980s.
In an effort to boost sales on their slowest day of the week, a Taco John's owner came up with the idea of offering a special deal on tacos. They coined the term “Taco Twosday” and offered customers two tacos for just 99 cents. This genius marketing move not only attracted customers but also became incredibly successful.
The owner's intention was to create a catchy phrase that would stick in people's minds and entice them to visit the restaurant specifically on Tuesdays. By offering a great deal on tacos, they aimed to bring in customers who might not have otherwise visited on that particular day of the week.
The success of “Taco Twosday” at that Taco John's location prompted the owner to share the idea with other Taco John's franchisees. The concept spread like wildfire, and soon other restaurants and eateries began offering similar deals on tacos specifically on Tuesdays.
As the popularity of “Taco Tuesday” grew, it started to extend beyond Taco John's and became a more general term for any restaurant or establishment that offered taco deals on Tuesdays. It became a cultural phenomenon, with people eagerly looking forward to indulging in tacos every Tuesday.
The reasons why tacos specifically became associated with Tuesdays are not entirely clear. However, the alliteration of “Taco Tuesday” certainly played a role in making it catchy and memorable. Additionally, Tuesdays were traditionally slower days for many restaurants, so offering a taco deal specifically on that day helped boost sales and attract customers.
Furthermore, the timing of “Taco Tuesday” aligns with the middle of the workweek. People often experience a midweek slump and look for something to brighten their day. Tacos, with their delicious flavors and variety of fillings, provide a perfect midweek treat that can lift spirits and add excitement to an otherwise ordinary day.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed the phenomenon of “Taco Tuesday” firsthand. Many restaurants in my area, both Mexican and non-Mexican, offer special deals on tacos every Tuesday. The atmosphere in these establishments on Tuesdays is often livelier, with people gathering to enjoy tacos with friends and family.
The popularity of “Taco Tuesday” has extended beyond just restaurants. It has become a social event for many people, with friends organizing taco nights at home or attending taco-themed parties. Social media platforms are filled with posts and hashtags dedicated to celebrating and indulging in tacos on Tuesdays.
The association between tacos and Tuesdays can be traced back to the marketing genius of a Taco John's restaurant owner. The catchy phrase “Taco Twosday” and the allure of a great taco deal on the slowest day of the week helped popularize the tradition. Over time, “Taco Tuesday” has become a cultural phenomenon, providing a midweek treat and a reason to gather and enjoy delicious tacos.